Seanad Committee to discuss impact of UK/EU trade and cooperation agreement on Irish economy, households and businesses

The meeting at 12:00 in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House will hear from representatives of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Professor Alan Barrett, Director, and Professor Martina Lawless, Research Professor. The Committee will also discuss the wider impacts of Brexit for Ireland and other Brexit-related matters.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Lisa Chambers said: “Since the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and UK came into effect in January, we have seen considerable impacts on trade between the EU and UK generally, and Ireland and the UK specifically. Imports from the UK to Ireland and the rest of the EU are down significantly, while exports from Ireland to Britain have so far held up compared to our EU partners where exports to the UK have fallen considerably. The Committee now looks forward to hearing an analysis of these trends from Professor Barrett and Professor Lawless of the ESRI, and discussing the impact these changes in trade patterns are having on Irish households and businesses and the wider economy.”

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.